Leona ZIMMER

ZIMMER Leona (Golbinec) Leona Zimmer passed away on Wednesday, February 22, 2012 at Orchard Villa in Oregon. She was born on August 16, 1920, the fourth child of Anna and Joseph Golbinec. She graduated from Rossford High School and then from Bowling Green State University. In 1942 she volunteered and served as a Women Airforce Service Pilot, a cadre of 1173 women who ferried aircraft, tested the planes that had been damaged and then rebuilt, and trained male pilots. Though they were not considered to be in the military at the time, the WASPs were recently awarded the Congressional Gold Medal for their service and contribution to the World War II effort. After the WASPs disbanded Le returned to Rossford and taught at Eagle Point School. Her teaching career took her to California, to Hawaii, and then to Venezuela. There she taught the children of families working for Texaco and met and married an engineer, William (Bill) Zimmer. They lived in Venezuela and Argentina until 1966, when Bill died suddenly. She returned to Rossford and worked for the Lucas County Department of Vital Statistics until her retirement in the 1970s. As a retiree she volunteered as a Precinct Worker on election days, at WGTE (Toledo's PBS station), and at the VA hospital. She was active in the American Legion and served as president of the Legion's auxiliary. She enjoyed traveling to the biannual WASP conventions as well as to Australia, Japan, Europe, and to visit family and friends all over the United States. Leona's brothers, Joseph and Albert Golbinec; predeceased her. She is survived by her sister, Margaret Golbinec Cameron; her sister-in-law, Barbara Golbinec (Al); nieces; nephews, and cousins. The cousins especially want to recognize and thank Lee Wagner (Leona's namesake) for all her care, efforts, and attention to our Auntie Le. Auntie Le had no children but she touched the lives of each niece and nephew and those of the many children in her classrooms. Le was an adventuresome spirit and a classy lady. Family and friends may visit at the Sujkowski Funeral Home of Rossford, 830 Lime City Rd. on Sunday, February 26, 2012, from 1 to 4 p.m. where a prayer service will be held at 2 p.m. with Rev. Kent Kaufman officiating. Interment will be private. The family would like to thank the staffs at Perrysburg Commons and Orchard Villa for all of the care and kindness shown to Leona. The family suggests that memorials be made to Heartland Hospice, P.O. Box 10086, Toledo, Ohio 43699. To leave an online message to the family please visit: www.sujkowskirossford.com